A minute's silence, led by Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak and F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone, was observed before the start, while drivers wore helmet stickers reading "Pray for MH370".

When the action started, Hamilton swiftly took advantage of pole position to win by 17 seconds from teammate Nico Rosberg, with reigning four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel in a distant third for Red Bull.

Rosberg, who won the season-opener in Australia where a technical fault scuppered Hamilton's chances, extended his lead in the title race with his solid drive, racing past Vettel from third on the grid.

"I got a great start today, " said the German, who is the son of 1982 world champion Keke Rosberg. "I was trying to chase Lewis but he was just too quick for me today."

While Vettel was satisfied with his third place, his teammate Daniel Ricciardo suffered a sorry race with a series of technical problems forcing him to retire.

It continued the misfortune for Australian Ricciardo, who took second in his home grand prix in Melbourne, but was subsequently disqualified for breaking regulations regarding fuel use.